Israel envoy warns Malaria threat could worsen in East Africa as El Niño looms

Nairobi, Kenya - Israel's Ambassador to Kenya, Gideon Behar, has warned that malaria could become a more significant threat in East Africa due to climate change and the looming El Niño episode. Behar called for governments and health agencies to take swift action and prepare for the potential rise in malaria cases. He highlighted the increasing prevalence of malaria in previously less-affected areas, attributing this to factors such as rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased water availability, which are enabling mosquitoes to spread to new regions.

Behar, who previously served as Israel's special envoy for climate change and sustainability, emphasized that mosquitoes could now inhabit "higher places, colder places, [and] northern places" as environmental conditions change. He urged regional health experts to assess their preparedness for the additional malaria burden that could accompany these changing weather patterns, especially as an El Niño is imminent.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Africa remains off track for malaria morbidity and mortality targets under the Global Technical Strategy. In 2024, Africa accounted for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths. WHO Kenya Deputy Representative Dr. Boston Zimba identified six priorities for Africa's push towards malaria elimination, including political leadership, innovation, data and digital health, health financing, tackling emerging biological threats, and addressing the intersection between climate change and malaria.

Behar, an expert in malaria research and elimination, suggested that Israel's experience could be valuable in strengthening the region's response. He stressed that regional cooperation is crucial for malaria elimination, as transmission and population movement cross national borders. The East African Community is seeking to strengthen cooperation on malaria, focusing on areas such as surveillance, drug-resistance monitoring, diagnostics, vector control, and cross-border interventions.